First off, think of your marble or natural stone surfaces like you would a sponge

A sponge is hardly reflective or shiny and that is because of all the many pores. When light hits the sponge, the pores capture the light. The surface on a micro level is rough, each with it's tiny holes and crevices, actually unable to bounce light off it's surface. The less holes or crevices on the sponge, the smoother the surface would appear to be.

The same is true of concrete, marble or other natural stone. A matte finish on your product, will mean a higher pore count and so care must be taken to seal the pores preventing foreign materials to penetrate and do damage. A polished surface has far less pores and tiny holes and so withstands spills far better. This will buy you time in giving attention to any spills before it can do damage.

Acid from substances such as red wine, marinara sauce, blueberries and even lemons can tarnish the look of the marble if left to sit overnight. Keep in mind, the marble will not stain instantly! This only happens when substances have been allowed to soak into the surface.

Aside from simply cleaning counter-top surfaces after each use and washing down your concrete or marble floors, there are a few things you can do to lengthen the life of your hard surface.

HONED

Look and Feel

Honed lacks the shines and reflective qualities that polished concrete or marble has. This is in no way inferior, just a different taste. Instead of shine, it has a more satin feel to it, smooth and velvety to the touch.

Characteristics

Honed finish is very scratch resistant because it lacks the glossy surface of a polished marble. Therefore, when honed marble gets scratched, it is not as obviously reflected when light hits it. Consequently, a honed marble soaks up liquids spilled during cooking faster and easier.

Maintenance and Damage Repair

Once liquids spill on the surface of a honed marble, blot it immediately (try never to wipe as this will spread the problem). To clean honed concrete or marble, one must never use regular soap, vinegar or other household cleaners. Try mild soap and then dry the surface. We can help quickly address any stains or scratches.

POLISHED

Look and Feel

A polished finish gives the smooth surface a shiny, much glossier look.

Characteristics

The polished surface also acts as a type of protection, therefore allowing it to withstand stains better. However, the reflective characteristic of the finish makes it more prone to scratches. For concrete, this is truly the opposite. The higher the clarity or polish, the less prone to scratches!

Maintenance and Damage Repair

Unlike honed concrete or marble, polished surfaces do not require as much re-sealing. As is with honed surfaces, you must immediately blot off (try never to wipe as this will spread the problem) any stains because certain substances will etch the surface, like toothpaste, for example. Use water, mild neutral cleaner solution, and a small brush to clean your polished hard surface. Never use water and vinegar (it is acidic) to clean. We can help quickly address any etching or stains.

Reactive Spills – These are acidic spills (i.e. orange juice) that will etch the surface of the polished floor if not cleaned in a timely manner. If the acidic level of a product is high the floor could be instantly etched.

Penetrating Spills – (i.e. red wine; oil) These spills attach to the concrete pores and leave a dark colored spot. This can be minimized if cleaned in a timely manner. If these spills are left on the surface they can penetrate the hard surface and leave behind discoloration.

A WORD ABOUT POLISHED CONCRETE

If you've decided to take the plunge into polished concrete flooring in your home or commercial space, we applaud you as this surface is absolutely beautiful! But a word of caution...

Concrete is a reactive surface. It is often sold by others as a "no maintenance" surface but truthfully it is low maintenance.

Generally you will request one of the following: Creme polish, Salt-n-Pepper Finish or Aggregate Polish. One more aggressive than the other, each with it's own beauty.